Federal Grants Awarded to Combat Opioid Abuse in Alaska

Three multi-year federal grants focused on combating opioid use have been awarded to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.

The grants will amount to an estimated $3,000,000 annually. One three-year grant from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) totals $750,000, and will focus on data collection, analysis, policy review and public education on opioid overdoses.

The other two grants come from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The first will fund $1,000,000 annually for up to three years to expand medication-assisted treatment in the state. The second will provide another one-million-dollars annually for five years to purchase and distribute naloxone, as well as train first responders on its use.

Governor Bill Walker, in a press release, stated his appreciation for this federal funding to help save lives and support Alaskan families and communities hurting from opioid addictions.